Bringing ‘good news’: Church celebrates 50 years of service by community ‘icon’
For their 50 years of service to their church and the community, Pastor Clayton Brown and his wife Nellie were celebrated at Cedar Valley Cathedral of Praise by hundreds of church and community members Thursday night.
“Clayton Brown is an icon in this city,” Cedar Valley acting pastor Larry Woodson said. He added that Brown established a heritage of love, trust, vision and sacrifice.
The Shepherds, a gospel music group, performed several songs in honor of the Browns, who are retiring, followed by congratulating words from Church of God leaders and many pastors from around the county, state and country, including international evangelist Perry Stone, former Church of God Overseer Raymond Culpeper, current Overseer Mark Williams and Church of God of North Georgia Administrative Bishop Michael Baker.
“50 years ago, Dalton intently looked for someone to come with good news and good news you brought,” Williams said.
Clayton Brown has been in the ministry for 52 years, and pastor at Cedar Valley for 50 of those years, accompanied by his wife.
Baker announced that according to Church of God records, Brown preached 7,337 messages and baptized 2,928 people.
“Those statistics will describe but they don’t tell the whole story ... a man and his wife who heard the word of God, accepted that call and devoted their entire lives to faithful ministry,” Baker said.
Baker presented Brown with a certificate recognizing his service to the Cedar Valley Cathedral of Praise and the Church of God organization.
“You have left a legacy, you left a foundation. Your legacy shall not be forgotten,” Baker said.
Baker then affirmed Brown as pastor emeritus and affirmed Woodson as the acting pastor of Cedar Valley.
Nellie Brown was presented with roses by Baker for her service as the wife of a pastor and to her church and community.
“It’s like a dream,” Clayton Brown said. He said he couldn’t believe the support shown to him through the celebration.
Long-time Cedar Valley church member Charlene Miller remembers Brown as a loving man who gave his time and energy to others.
“Brother Brown has preached the word, he’s lived the life before us and he’s treated us like Jesus,” she said.
Brown’s son-in-law, Leroy Atkinson, spoke of Brown’s many years of service in the Dalton community.
“He has probably either seen in the hospital, buried in the grave or married somebody in just about all the families in Dalton,” Atkinson said.
When asked what comes after retirement, Brown joked, “I ain’t going to retire just because I’m 184,” adding that he plans to “keep on going.”
His wife, however, has other plans.
“Sitting back, resting and relaxing,” she said.
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This is an article in our local paper. This is the church I grew up in and my pastor. So blessed to have been a part of this man's legacy. I am one of those 2000+ he baptized. I have been a member of this church for almost 40 years. God truly broke the mold after making this couple.
Anyway. Just wanted to share with everyone.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Thanks. I am happy you enjoyed it. It is something you don't hear much about these days.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
